How far is Ruidoso, NM from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance from Ruidoso, NM to Las Cruces, NM is about 115.8 miles (186.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.3 miles (153.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 00m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Otero County, New Mexico, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ruidoso and Las Cruces.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ruidoso and Las Cruces.
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1
Start on Sudderth Drive
2.3 mi · 4 min · Sudderth Drive
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2
Turn slight right onto Mescalero Trail
2175 ft · 44 sec · Mescalero Trail
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3
Turn right
32 mi · 41 min
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4
Turn left onto North Bookout Road
1.5 mi · 3 min · North Bookout Road
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5
Turn left
8.7 mi · 11 min
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6
Take the exit slight right
4.9 mi · 7 min
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7
Take the exit slight right
62.8 mi · 1 hr 11 min
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8
Continue on North Main Street
2.6 mi · 6 min · North Main Street
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9
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward North Church Street
57 m · 5 sec · North Church Street
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10
Exit the roundabout onto North Church Street
615 ft · 19 sec · North Church Street
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11
Turn right
20 m · 10 sec
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12
Turn left
87 m · 21 sec
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ruidoso and Las Cruces.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
North Bookout Road
Take the exit slight right
62.8 mi · 01h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers leaving Ruidoso and Mostly Sunny near Las Cruces.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ruidoso to Las Cruces?
The road trip is about 115.8 miles (186.4 km) and usually takes 02h 00m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Boles Acres is a useful midpoint, sitting about 57.7 miles from Ruidoso and 58.1 miles from Las Cruces.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.3 miles (153.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:28 PM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.49 one way or $30.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers around Ruidoso and Mostly Sunny near Las Cruces.
Stop Ideas Near Boles Acres
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Boles Acres.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ruidoso and Las Cruces. Straight-line distance: 95.29 mi (153.35 km).
#1 Ruidoso
Village in Lincoln County, New Mexico, United States
| Population | 8,061 |
| Coordinates | 33.3317500, -105.6730400 |
| Altitude | 2051 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Las Cruces
The second most populous city in New Mexico.
| Population | 105,096 |
| Coordinates | 32.3123200, -106.7783400 |
| Altitude | 1191 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-106.778417, 32.312306)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 186 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.79 | $15.49 | $30.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.26 | $17.42 | $34.84 |
| Premium | $4.63 | $18.92 | $37.83 |
| Diesel | $5.42 | $22.15 | $44.29 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in New Mexico · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.